Gunman in Quiapo road rage nabbed in Masbate

The man who shot dead a biker during a road rage incident in Quiapo, Manila, earlier this week, was arrested in Milagros, Masbate province, before noon yesterday, police and military officials announced.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that Vhon Tanto, a former Army reservist, was “accosted peacefully” in Barangay Poblacion, Milagros, Masbate at 11:40 a.m. by the members of the Philippine Army.

Tanto had been the subject of a manhunt since Wednesday for killing Mark Vincent Garalde after engaging in a fistfight during a heated altercation on P. Casal St., Quiapo, Monday night, an incident that was recorded on closed circuit television (CCTV) in the area.

Tanto, according to the Manila Police District (MPD), shot Garalde five times.

One Rocel Bondo, 18, who was hit by a stray bullet during the incident.

Dr. Domingo Reyes of Mary Chiles Hospital said they have removed the bullet that penetrated the lower back of Bondoc and damaged her kidney.

The MPD had launched a manhunt operation against Tanto when he failed to surrender until 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

According to AFP, Tanto is considered out of the reserve corps since he last reported to his unit in January 2015. It was also reported that he has been neglecting his duties as an Army reservist.

Tanto was already being transported from Masbate to Manila on Friday afternoon. He will later turn over to the MPD where he will be facing charges of murder and frustrated homicide.

Senior Supt. Joel Coronel, MPD director, announced on Wednesday that a manhunt operation against Tanto was launched, saying that they want him “dead or alive.”

On Thursday, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada offered a P100,000 cash reward to anyone who could pinpoint the location of Tanto. On the same day, a 100,000 additional bounty was also offered by Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan for Tanto’s apprehension. (BETHEENA KAE UNITE • FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD)